Cyanobacteria Bloom Occurring in Sagg Pond and Old Town Pond

State and local government officials have confirmed the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom in Sagg Pond in Sagaponack and  Old Town Pond in Southampton. 

Health officials ask residents not to use, swim or wade in these waters and to keep pets and children away from the area due to the high levels of toxic cyanobacteria or blue-green algae.

Those who have been exposed to the cyanobacteria and experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation; allergic reaction or breathing difficulties are advised to seek medical attention.

The algae are naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers but can become abundant and form blooms in shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red. They can produce floating scums on the surface of the water or may cause the water to take on a paint-like appearance.

Residents should avoid contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored. If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately and if symptoms occur, seek medical attention.

To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom at a body of water that contains a Suffolk County permitted bathing beach, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760.

To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom that is in a body of water that does not contain a Suffolk County permitted bathing beach, contact the Division of Water at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: 518-402-8179.

For more information about blue-green algae, visit the Suffolk County website: http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/EnvironmentalQuality/Ecology/MarineWaterQualityMonitoring/Cyanobacteria.aspx